Music, art, dance, food and humour a learning experience at Elders Gathering in northern Sask.
The ninth annual Elders Gathering in the northern Saskatchewan village of Pinehouse is underway.
Co-organizer Chris Hansen said it was a beautiful Wednesday morning in the northern village, which is 376 kilometres north of Saskatoon. Hansen has been busy preparing for several days, he told CBC Radio's The Morning Edition, as Wednesday is one of the gathering's busiest days.
"We just wanted a place where the elders can come together and celebrate their lives, while learning from their teachings through music, art, dance, food and humour," Hansen said of the gathering, which started in 2010.
"We just wanted all of the northern communities to take part, to bring their elders, and just visit to share stories."
People from at least 11 different communities are attending the gathering. Hansen said the gathering is a chance for young and old alike to learn about other cultures and learn from elders of those cultures.
A local Cree language class dropped by to sing a song in the language. That's just a taste of what's to come.
Later in the day there are fiddle and jigging contests, then a dance group from Manitoba will participate in a square dancing showcase to finish off the day's festivities, Hansen said.
People are being taught to cook, prepare fish, carve wood and boat and paddle making at the gathering as well.
CBC Saskatchewan is in Pinehouse for the gathering and will be bringing more stories to readers later in the week.
Elders pampered, participants treated to regular demonstrations
Attendees at the gathering have an opportunity to take part in a bit of personal pampering.
April Maurice used to cut hair for a living in Prince Albert. Since they first Elder's Gathering nine years ago, she has offered her services to free to those who want to have their hair styled or cut.
Elders who were getting their hair cuts told CBC News it's something they don't always have a chance to do.
Maurice said giving back this way feels good.
"It's good for them, they feel happy after they get off my chair," Maurice said. "They're always happy when they leave and it makes me feel happy."
There are various demonstrations at the gathering on a daily basis.
Brad Tinker, an artist originally from Pinehouse, is showing off carved moose antlers at the gathering. Tinker's antlers feature imagery including ducks, moose and fish.
"It's more or less to have something displayed and for people to watch how it's done," Tinker said.
"I try to use local materials and use local images."
Tinker said he got interested in learning how to carve antlers after seeing similar works elsewhere.
It's not easy. The shape of the antlers is one of the more challenging aspects, according to Tinker.
"You have to throw it around in all different directions, you know, cutting it," he said. "There are a lot of bits that break because it's a very, very hard material."
Tinker said he hopes his displays spark an interest in some of the younger people at the Pinehouse Elder's Gathering. He said he's more than willing to share his knowledge.
"I would like more people to do it. There's a lot of antlers shed," he said. "There's a lot of wasted material that I would like to see utilized."
